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The first-ever K-pop idol group with two North Korean defectors has officially debuted today.
On July 18, the K-pop boy group 1VERSE, consisting of five members Hyuk, Seok, Aito, Kenny, and Nathan, released their first album titled The First Verse. Today also marks the start of their official promotional activities.
The group features an international lineup. Hyuk and Seok, two members of the group, were born in North Korea before defecting and settling in South Korea. Meanwhile, Aito is Japanese, Kenny is Chinese American, and Nathan is Laotian-Thai American.
Their debut album features three tracks. The title song "Shattered" (which also has an English version) and the song "Multiverse."
Their title track, "Shattered," is a mix of hip-hop and pop. The lyrics were co-written by members Hyuk and Kenny. The members shared that the song conveys the feeling of confusion someone feels when their world seems to fall apart. Member Hyuk also jokingly shared how he had to record his rap part many times, adding that the song's theme of a "shattered" world is something all the members understand personally.
The debut album is a special one, as it features collaborations with producers like Shorell, Justin Starring, and others who have previously worked with top K-pop groups such as BTS, Twice, Seventeen, and NCT on song and choreography production.
During their debut press conference, the agency clarified the meaning behind the group's name, 1VERSE. They explained that "VERSE" signifies multiple verses uniting to form a universe, while the "1" (pronounced "uni") symbolizes harmony.
While 1VERSE isn't the first K-pop group to feature a North Korean defector (BE BOYS debuted with Hak Seong earlier this year), they are the first to have two North Korean members in one group. 1VERSE's lineup marks a truly historic moment for the industry.
Hyuk left North Korea in 2013 as a 13-year-old, while Seok's defection happened in 2018 when he was 18.
Watch the debut MV of 1VERSE here.
Congratulations on your debut, 1VERSE!
